U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has successfully incorporated several key priorities for Hawaii in the Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024, a multi-year Farm Bill proposal recently released by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI).
“The Farm Bill has a tremendous impact on our country’s food and crops that are grown and consumed every day,” said Senator Hirono. “This legislation is passed only once every five years and I’m proud to have secured provisions to strengthen support for local producers, expand access to fresh, healthy Hawaii-grown produce for our families, and much more.”
As negotiations continue on this year’s Farm Bill, Senator Hirono expressed her anticipation of working with colleagues to pass legislation that supports producers, families, and communities in Hawaii and across the country.
The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act includes several provisions introduced by Senator Hirono focusing on nutrition; research; forestry; and climate change. One significant provision she secured was an increase in the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP), which is the primary funding source for Hawaii’s “DA BUX” program. This initiative allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)-Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cardholders to receive a 50 percent discount on Hawaii-grown produce at participating grocery stores and food hubs.
In March 2022, over 173,000 people were receiving SNAP benefits in Hawaii. The provision proposed by Senator Hirono would increase the federal match rate and mandatory funding for GusNIP projects while allowing for expansion and improvement of existing projects.
The Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act of 2024 contains more than 100 pieces of legislation designed to support U.S. farms, create jobs, improve rural infrastructure, expand access to childcare and health care, support rural education and skills training, build out high-speed rural broadband, assist homeowners and farms transition to greener energy, lower utility bills, clean up drinking water, conserve land, and more.
Senator Hirono has consistently championed legislation to support local farmers and secure stronger investment in the agriculture industry. She has also worked tirelessly to ensure that communities across the country have access to healthy and fresh meals and produce.
